MAD Lions management has recently made it known that their players are currently exploring the open market. This comes after their unfortunate exit from the Worlds 2023 tournament.
It's worthwhile to know that MAD Lions had obtained the third seed from the LEC for Worlds 2023. They advanced directly to the Swiss Stage, leaving audiences intrigued and excited.
The team had demonstrated an inconsistent performance in that season, oscillating between victories and defeats. This saw them secure a berth for the Mid-Season Invitational, however, their performance in the Spring and Summer Seasons were less than impressive, with rankings at the eighth and seventh positions, respectively.
Despite the inconsistency, MAD managed to achieve a place among the top eight at the Mid-Season Invitational.
The journey for the European team in the tournament ended on October 26. Their elimination was a result of a 2-1 defeat to Weibo Gaming in the fourth round of play.
Post their exit from the tournament, the organisation began to contemplate a total revamp of the roster. According to Till Werdermann, MAD Lions Senior Director of Team Operations, the team is considering options for new players for the 2024 season.
This implies that the present players have been given the freedom to explore the free market. The news was confirmed by Werdermann through a post on social media.
Werdermann’s social media post had curious fans and followers of MAD Lion talking. He clarified by saying that MAD Lions as an organization aims to see its people succeed no matter where they go or which team they play for.
Addressing the rumors that were spreading at that moment, Werdermann stated that the organization is currently exploring its options. He stressed that it is only fair that their people are given the freedom to explore their own options as well.
There is no certainty as to what the future holds and Werdermann noted that it wouldn’t be surprising if they find that the best options continue to be within the organization.
The attempt to rebuild the team interest among MAD Lions fans was intensified. Major dynamics of MAD’s roster are expected to change in 2024 and 2025. The only exception to this expectation is their jungler, Javier ‘Elyoya’ Prades Batalla, whose contract ends this year in November.
At present, there has been no indication of any MAD Lions players joining other LEC squads or teams from other regions. However, the off-season for League of Legends esports is a fast-paced time.
Several minor league teams have already begun to make moves. This fast-paced environment sees big shifts in rosters and teams. LEC teams are just beginning to transfer players.
As teams determine their rosters for the 2024 season, the Worlds 2023 tournament continues with high intensity. The less successful teams are being eliminated progressively in the Swiss Stage.
While MAD Lions wasn't among the final contenders in Worlds 2023, there's much anticipation about the team's next steps. The proposed total overhaul of the team's roster has stirred interesting conjectures.
Undoubtedly, the team's management has major decisions to make in the coming months. With players exploring the free market and contracts coming up for expiration, the team dynamics are set to change significantly.
This period marks a significant moment in the annals of MAD Lions as the team embarks upon the journey to reinvent and rebuild. Only time will reveal whether these strategic moves will propel the team into greater victories.